Mid-January 2008
HEART OF TEXAS
Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc.
MID-JANUARY 2008 ISSUE
Home School News and Events
Dear Home School Leaders and Friends,
We are excited to share with you some information about several events that may be of interest to home schoolers in the Greater Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding North Texas region. Please feel free to pass along this information to the homeschooling families in your network.
If you would like for us to help you spread the news about an event or activity that your group is doing, or if you know of an event or activity that would benefit other home schoolers, please drop us a line at info@HEARTofTex.org so we can include it in the next issue of our bi-weekly e-newsletter.
Thanks so much!
www.HEARTofTex.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc., (HEART of Texas) is a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to serving the home schooling community. Our mission is to provide leadership, training, and support, as well as to encourage political participation within the home school community through communications, networking activities, and events directed at home school support groups and families in the Greater Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding North Texas region.
This information is provided as a service to our fellow home schoolers. HEART of Texas does not necessarily endorse, warrant, or represent any of the activities, events, or organizations listed, or their content, views, opinions, or recommendations. Please use your own judgment when considering taking part in or attending any of these events or activities or visiting any of the websites or links provided. HEART of Texas assumes no responsibility for the content of any ads, promises made, or the quality/reliability of the products or services offered.
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REGISTRATION OPEN FOR HEART OF TEXAS REGIONAL COLLEGE NIGHT
TO BE HELD JANUARY 22, 2008
We are very excited to announce the first annual HEART of Texas Regional College Night! It is the only
regional college night in this area geared directly towards home schoolers.
Come and meet with various college representatives who are looking to enlist the academic prowess of our students, and learn from our exciting speakers.
JANUARY 22, 2008
Time: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Location: Grapevine Convention Center
1209 S. Main Street
Grapevine, TX 76051
For More Information: http://www.heartoftex.org/college/college.html
Schedule:
5:30 p.m. – Check-In/Registration Begins
6:00 p.m. – “Free College at Your Fingertips” (Concord II)
Speaker: Jean Burk, College Prep Genius
“Preparing for College: How to Think Like an Admissions Officer” (Chenin Blanc)
Speaker: Sarah Bowdin, Director of Admissions, University of Texas at Tyler
7:00 p.m. – College Fair Doors Open
7:15 p.m. - Speaking Session (repeated)
"Preparing for College - How to Think Like an Admissions Officer" (Chenin Blanc)
8:15 p.m. - Speaking Session (repeated)
"Free College at Your Fingertips" (Chenin Blanc)
9:00 p.m. – College Fair Ends
Admission:
$10/person at the door
For More Information: Click Here
View Newsletter Headers
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JANUARY 24
ATTORNEY SHELBY SHARP (ARLINGTON VS. LEEPER) SPEAKING IN CEDAR HILL
Christian Homeschool Alliance of Texas (CHAT) cordially invites you to hear Shelby Sharpe (general legal counsel to THSC)
Time: 7:00p.m.
Location: High Pointe Baptist Church
101 High Pointe Lane
Cedar Hill
Details: Shelby Sharpe was the lead attorney in the Leeper v. Arlington class action suit (1987), the landmark case that determined that home schools in Texas are private schools. This case was heard at the District and Appellate court levels and by the Texas Supreme Court. It confirmed the freedoms that parents now enjoy in Texas, one of the best states in which people can home school.
Shelby Sharpe is now the general legal counsel for Texas Home School Coalition.
Mr. Sharpe will be speaking on our nation's history of religious freedoms and their erosion. As Christians we should be aware of this heritage and be active in preserving it for our children. It's a great history lesson for the older children, also.
Childcare will be available for children ages four and under. The cost is $1 per child with a maximum cost of $3 per family.
For more Information: turner.cathy@sbcglobal.net
View Newsletter Headers
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JANUARY 28
HOME SCHOOL CLASS AND TOUR AT FOSSIL RIM
Animal Fashions Class & Tour
Time: 10 – 2:30ish
Break for Lunch: 12:00-1:00
Guided Tour of Fossil Rim: 1:00-2:30ish
Cost: $16 per person (age 2 and under free)
Details: Investigate the different costumes animals wear on their bodies: from an insects’ exoskeleton to the feathers of a bird or a turtle’s shell. After this morning class, share a picnic lunch at the Overlook, then take a guided tour of Fossil Rim.
For more Details: www.fossilrim.com/visiting/home_school.html
To Register or Get Directions: homeschool@fossilrim.org
or call 254-897-2960 ext. 216
View Newsletter Headers
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JANUARY 28
FRISCO HIS HOSTING JAN BEDEL SEMINAR: “LEARNING MADE EASY”
Time: 7 – 9 p.m.
Location: Water’s Edge Church
5475 Coit Road
Frisco, TX 75034
Cost: FREE – a love offering will be accepted
For Directions: www.watersedgefrisco.com/about/location.asp
For More Information or To RSVP: support@littlegiantsteps.com or 972-758-1260
Details: If you want to know:
The best kept secret in education
How to avoid learning difficulties
New learning technologies you can implement
Skills & knowledge to take home with you….
This will be an eye-opening event for parents who want knowledge and skill to improve their child’s learning abilities whether the child is gifted, challenged, or newly developing.
View Newsletter Headers
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JANUARY
HOME SCHOOL PE CLASSES AVAILABLE AT VELOCITY SPORTS
HIGHLAND PARK AND SOUTHLAKE LOCATIONS
We are very excited to announce that the Velocity Sports Performance locations in Highland Park and Southlake have partnered with HEART of Texas to offer special discounts to homeschoolers!
The PE programs at Velocity Sports are taught by trained, degreed coaches who have coached college, professional, and Olympic level athletes.
Classes are one hour long, and focus on speed enhancement, strength, power, agility, core development, flexibility, and balance. Participants can expect increased muscle tone, a higher vertical jump, better running form, reduced likelihood of injury, increased confidence and increased endurance.
Their 16,300 square foot indoor facility is climate-controlled and features turf, track, hard court, and weight areas, as well as a viewing area for parents/guests.
Please Note: Each Velocity Sports location is independently owned and operated, and offer different pricing and discount rates for their classes. Please contact the location directly for more information.
For the Highland Park Location:
Call Mark Cox at 214-739-1122
www.velocitysp.com/highlandpark
For the Southlake Location:
Call 817-416-0606
www.velocitysp.com/southlake
View Newsletter Headers
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~~What's Inside This Issue ~~
(Click on the links below)
FEATURED ARTICLES
Parental Rights: The Fight of Our Lifetime --- Article by Jessica Hulcy
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
LIBRARY PROGRAMS
CONTESTS/COMPETITIVE EVENTS
HOME SCHOOL ENRICHMENT CLASSES
BOOK SALES
NATURE CENTERS & OUTDOOR PROGRAMS/CAMPS
PERFORMING ARTS
ART MUSEUMS
IMAX THEATERS
HISTORICAL PROGRAMS
MISCELLANEOUS EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
HOME SCHOOL SPORTS/PE PROGRAMS
SUPPORT GROUPS
COLLEGE PREP
OTHER EVENTS BY DATE
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FEATURED ARTICLE
Parental Rights: The Fight of Our Lifetime
Compiled by Jessica Hulcy
Suppose, one day, parents will NOT be allowed to tell their children…
…that they cannot do drugs or be sexually involved as an unmarried teenager?
…that they must attend church with you?
…that they are restricted from certain internet cites and DVD’s for their protection?
…that you want to know where your child is, who his friends are, and what he is doing?
Suppose, one day, parents will not be allowed to raise their children with their values but instead will be restricted by the State?
That day is here.
THE ISSUE
Our role, as parents, is critical to the health and development of our children. Researchers and scientists have found that children who have parental support are likely to have better health as adults, tend to earn higher grades, have better social skills, and are more likely to graduate and go on to post-secondary education. Teens with involved parents are one-quarter as likely as teens with "hands-off" parents to smoke, drink, and use drugs.
For years, the Supreme Court has recognized that parents have a fundamental right to raise their children as they see fit, but that support is being steadily undermined. Across the country, many judges are beginning to deny the vital role of parents in the lives of their children. Instead, they are inserting the government into a "parental" role in a child's life as the instances cited above demonstrate.
TWO THREATS
First, many U.S. judges are denying parents their rights to raise their children, either because these rights are not explicitly protected in the U.S. Constitution or because the judges believe that parental rights should be subservient to the power of the state.
Not all judges hold a low view of parental rights. Some, like Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, believe that parental rights are among the "inalienable rights" of Americans enumerated in the Declaration of Independence but they are finding it increasingly difficult to rule in favor of parental rights when it is not explicitly included in the language of the Constitution.
In Troxel v. Granville, the last major parental rights case heard by the Supreme Court, Scalia himself voted to deny parental rights the status of an enforceable constitutional right. And other federal court judges are following in his footsteps, citing a mounting belief that no right can be protected by the federal courts unless explicitly stated in the Constitution.
Second, parental rights face the threat of international law, which assumes that the rights of children must be asserted against the rights of their parents. Under our Constitution, international treaties - such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) - become part of the "supreme law of the land," allowing the government, not the parent, to determine what is best for the child and intervene on their behalf.
SOLUTION
If Scalia, who favors parental rights, yet cannot protect parental rights unless it is explicit language in the Constitution…THEN the surest way to protect children and their parents from both the threat of judges and the danger of international law is to pass a U.S. Constitutional amendment that explicitly places parental rights in the Constitution in black-and-white. And it can be done. The Constitution has 27 Amendments, the last one being passed in 1992. Only then can we ensure the next generation of American parents will enjoy the liberties we now enjoy.
ACTION
Go to www.ParentalRights.org and sign the petition.
ATTEND informational rally to hear:
Michael P. Farris, J.D.
Founder of ParentalRights.org
Chancellor of Patrick Henry College in VA
Founder of Homeschool Legal Defense
MARCH 1, 2008 (Saturday)
7:00-9:30 pm
Fellowship Bible Church Dallas at 9330 N. Central Exwy.
(Hwy. 75 / Park Lane; NE corner behind Bed, Bath, Beyond)
Dallas, TX 75231
214-739-3881
For More Information: Contact Texas Organizers for ParentalRights.org:
Wade / Jessica Hulcy wade@konos.com or queen@airmail.net ; 972-924-2541
Gavino / Ruth Perez gavinoperez@sbcglobal.net ; 210-732-0893
Wade and Jessica Hulcy and other informed leaders want to visit every support group within 100 miles of DFW to speak about this important issue and to help you rally the troops in your area to attend this March 1 event. Please call them and let them know when your January and February support group meeting are, so they can get to your group both months with a 5 minute presentation.
Jessica Hulcy, co-author of KONOS Character Curriculum, the first homeschool curriculum written for homeschool by home schoolers in 1984, is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, has done post-graduate work at Texas A& M at Commerce. Jessica has taught for 31 years with 24 of those years spent homeschooling her four boys ages 31, 27, 24, and 19. She speaks nationally on a variety of public education and home school topics, writes curriculum for KONOS, lives with her husband Wade on 75 acres north of Dallas, TX, and has just started a new business called homeschoolmentor.com designed to train the next generation of homeschoolers.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
1. LIBRARY PROGRAMS AT NORTH TEXAS LIBRARIES --- OCTOBER
To find out what programs your local libraries have going on, visit the website below. It includes links to public libraries all over Texas, so you and your kids can get in on the adventure of reading.
http://www.publiclibraries.com/texas.htm
BEDFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Location: 1805 L. Don Dodson Drive
Bedford, TX 76021
817-952-2342
Contact: Jeannie Green
TUESDAYS --- Sprouts Story Time
(for the more active child)
Time: 10 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.
Bonnie Finn Room
TUESDAYS --- Story Book Club
(for the child who is ready to be a sitter and llstener)
Time: 11 am. – 11:25 a.m.
Bonnie Finn Room
THURSDAYS --- Peapods Story Time
(for babies 2 years and under and their caregiver.)
Bonnie Finn Room
Registration is required for this program.
For More Information: Contact Kids Help Desk at 817-952-2373
January Themes:
15 – Hola (Hispanic)
22 – Hungry, Hungry Dinosaurs
29 - I Like Me
JANUARY 7, 14, 21, 28 – Tony’s Computer Classes
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Library Board Room
This class is for the absolute beginner. It will provide a brief overview of exactly what a computer is and how it works with lots of hands-on-practice. No computer experience required.
No Registration is required for these free classes.
Contact: Tony New at 817-952-2342 or tnew@ci.bedford.tx.us
For More Information: Contact Jeanne Green at 817-952-2370
WEDNESDAYS IN JANUARY--- Free Spanish Language Classes
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (MORNING CLASS)
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (EVENING CLASS)
Location: Library Board Room
Ms. Bianca Zaya will introduce the basics of Spanish
No Registration is required for these free classes.
For More Information: Contact Jeanne Green at 817-952-2370 or jgreen@ci.bedford.tx.us
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FORT WORTH PUBLIC LIBRARY
FEBRUARY PROGRAMS
ALL FORT WORTH BRANCHES
African American Read In!
Location: All Fort Worth Library Locations
Details: Don’t Say Ain’t by Irene Smalls is the title to read for this event! Call your local library for details.
Teen Programs
E-mail: zz_lib_teenservices@fortworthgov.org for more information.
CENTRAL LIBRARY BRANCH
Location: 500 W. 3rd St
817-871-7701
FEBRUARY 4 --- Card Making
Time: 4 p.m.
Details: Leaarn to make cards for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions.
FEBRUARY 5 --- Anime Club
Time: 5 pm.
Details: Join us for movies, anime, and description.
FEBRUARY 7-28 --- Home School Book Club
Time: 2 p.m.
Ages: Teens
Details: A weekly book club just for homeschooled teens! Our first selection will be To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. This book is considered a great American classic and fits in well with African American Heritage Month activities we are hosting at the library. We will take the entire month of February to complete the book discussion. The teens should have read chapters 1-7 of this book selection before attending the first meeting.
FEBRUARY 8 --- National Poetry Slam and Art Exhibit
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Details: Join Mike Guinn, noted poet and founder of the National Poetry Slams, for a great poetry slam and Windell Gordon for a wonder art exhibit.
FEBRUARY 19 --- Teen Advisory Board
Time: 5pm
Details: Monthly meeting of TAB. Interested in joining? Fill out an
application.
FEBRUARY 16 --- Movie – The Color Purple
Time: 1 p.m.
FEBRUARY 23 --- Movie --- Freedom’s Song
Time: 1 pm.
EAST BERRY LIBRARY
Location: 4300 E. Berry St.
817-536-1945
FEBRUAY 7-28 --- Quiz Show Party
Time: Thursdays at 7 p.m.
Details: Join us to watch a great game show!
EAST REGIONAL LIBRARY
Location: 6301 Bridge St.
817-871-6436
FEBRUARY 4, 11, 18 --- Plugged In!
Time: 6pm
Details: We got a Wii, so come play!
FEBRUARY 25 --- Gaming Tournament
Time: 6pm
Details: See if you can beat the best! Registration is required.
MEADOWBROOK LIBRARY
Location: 2800 Stark St.
817-451-0916
FEBRUARY 2-23 (Saturdays) --- Chess Game
Time: 11am
FEBRUARY 5-26 --- Chess Academy and Club
Time: 4pm
Details: Join to learn to play chess.
RIDGLEA LIBRARY
Location: 3628 Bernie Anderson Drive
817-737-6619
FEBRUARY 2-23 (Saturdays) --- Chess Game
Time: 12pm
Details: Learn to play chess.
FEBRUARY 27 --- Shakespeare Man
Time: 6:30pm
Details: Join the legendary bard in exploring his life, times, and works.
SHAMBLEE LIBRARY
Location: 959 East Rosedale St.
817-871-6621
FEBRUARY 4-25 (Mondays) --- Game Night
Time: 6pm
Details: Come and join us for an evening of board, strategy, and card games.
FEBRUARY 6-27 (Wednesdays) --- Chess Club
Time: 3pm
Details: Learn to play chess.
SOUTHWEST REGIONAL LIBRARY
4001 Library Ln.
817-782-9853
Plugged In! - Call for times and details on this video gaming program.
SUMMERGLEN LIBRARY
Location: 4205 Basswood Blvd.
817-232-0478
FEBRUARY 2-23 (Saturdays) --- Chess
Time: 2pm
Details: Join us for a chess game.
WEDGWOOD LIBRARY
Location: 3816 Kimberly Ln.
817-292-3368
FEBRUARY 2 --- Roses to Last Forever
Time: 2pm
Details: Make roses for your love out of duct tape.
Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc.
MID-JANUARY 2008 ISSUE
Home School News and Events
Dear Home School Leaders and Friends,
We are excited to share with you some information about several events that may be of interest to home schoolers in the Greater Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding North Texas region. Please feel free to pass along this information to the homeschooling families in your network.
If you would like for us to help you spread the news about an event or activity that your group is doing, or if you know of an event or activity that would benefit other home schoolers, please drop us a line at info@HEARTofTex.org so we can include it in the next issue of our bi-weekly e-newsletter.
Thanks so much!
www.HEARTofTex.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training of Texas, Inc., (HEART of Texas) is a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to serving the home schooling community. Our mission is to provide leadership, training, and support, as well as to encourage political participation within the home school community through communications, networking activities, and events directed at home school support groups and families in the Greater Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding North Texas region.
This information is provided as a service to our fellow home schoolers. HEART of Texas does not necessarily endorse, warrant, or represent any of the activities, events, or organizations listed, or their content, views, opinions, or recommendations. Please use your own judgment when considering taking part in or attending any of these events or activities or visiting any of the websites or links provided. HEART of Texas assumes no responsibility for the content of any ads, promises made, or the quality/reliability of the products or services offered.
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~~ January
Highlights~~
JANUARY 22
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR HEART OF TEXAS REGIONAL COLLEGE NIGHT
TO BE HELD JANUARY 22, 2008
We are very excited to announce the first annual HEART of Texas Regional College Night! It is the only
regional college night in this area geared directly towards home schoolers.
Come and meet with various college representatives who are looking to enlist the academic prowess of our students, and learn from our exciting speakers.
JANUARY 22, 2008
Time: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Location: Grapevine Convention Center
1209 S. Main Street
Grapevine, TX 76051
For More Information: http://www.heartoftex.org/college/college.html
Schedule:
5:30 p.m. – Check-In/Registration Begins
6:00 p.m. – “Free College at Your Fingertips” (Concord II)
Speaker: Jean Burk, College Prep Genius
“Preparing for College: How to Think Like an Admissions Officer” (Chenin Blanc)
Speaker: Sarah Bowdin, Director of Admissions, University of Texas at Tyler
7:00 p.m. – College Fair Doors Open
7:15 p.m. - Speaking Session (repeated)
"Preparing for College - How to Think Like an Admissions Officer" (Chenin Blanc)
8:15 p.m. - Speaking Session (repeated)
"Free College at Your Fingertips" (Chenin Blanc)
9:00 p.m. – College Fair Ends
Admission:
$10/person at the door
For More Information: Click Here
View Newsletter Headers
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JANUARY 24
ATTORNEY SHELBY SHARP (ARLINGTON VS. LEEPER) SPEAKING IN CEDAR HILL
Christian Homeschool Alliance of Texas (CHAT) cordially invites you to hear Shelby Sharpe (general legal counsel to THSC)
Time: 7:00p.m.
Location: High Pointe Baptist Church
101 High Pointe Lane
Cedar Hill
Details: Shelby Sharpe was the lead attorney in the Leeper v. Arlington class action suit (1987), the landmark case that determined that home schools in Texas are private schools. This case was heard at the District and Appellate court levels and by the Texas Supreme Court. It confirmed the freedoms that parents now enjoy in Texas, one of the best states in which people can home school.
Shelby Sharpe is now the general legal counsel for Texas Home School Coalition.
Mr. Sharpe will be speaking on our nation's history of religious freedoms and their erosion. As Christians we should be aware of this heritage and be active in preserving it for our children. It's a great history lesson for the older children, also.
Childcare will be available for children ages four and under. The cost is $1 per child with a maximum cost of $3 per family.
For more Information: turner.cathy@sbcglobal.net
View Newsletter Headers
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JANUARY 28
HOME SCHOOL CLASS AND TOUR AT FOSSIL RIM
Animal Fashions Class & Tour
Time: 10 – 2:30ish
Break for Lunch: 12:00-1:00
Guided Tour of Fossil Rim: 1:00-2:30ish
Cost: $16 per person (age 2 and under free)
Details: Investigate the different costumes animals wear on their bodies: from an insects’ exoskeleton to the feathers of a bird or a turtle’s shell. After this morning class, share a picnic lunch at the Overlook, then take a guided tour of Fossil Rim.
For more Details: www.fossilrim.com/visiting/home_school.html
To Register or Get Directions: homeschool@fossilrim.org
or call 254-897-2960 ext. 216
View Newsletter Headers
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JANUARY 28
FRISCO HIS HOSTING JAN BEDEL SEMINAR: “LEARNING MADE EASY”
Time: 7 – 9 p.m.
Location: Water’s Edge Church
5475 Coit Road
Frisco, TX 75034
Cost: FREE – a love offering will be accepted
For Directions: www.watersedgefrisco.com/about/location.asp
For More Information or To RSVP: support@littlegiantsteps.com or 972-758-1260
Details: If you want to know:
The best kept secret in education
How to avoid learning difficulties
New learning technologies you can implement
Skills & knowledge to take home with you….
This will be an eye-opening event for parents who want knowledge and skill to improve their child’s learning abilities whether the child is gifted, challenged, or newly developing.
View Newsletter Headers
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JANUARY
HOME SCHOOL PE CLASSES AVAILABLE AT VELOCITY SPORTS
HIGHLAND PARK AND SOUTHLAKE LOCATIONS
We are very excited to announce that the Velocity Sports Performance locations in Highland Park and Southlake have partnered with HEART of Texas to offer special discounts to homeschoolers!
The PE programs at Velocity Sports are taught by trained, degreed coaches who have coached college, professional, and Olympic level athletes.
Classes are one hour long, and focus on speed enhancement, strength, power, agility, core development, flexibility, and balance. Participants can expect increased muscle tone, a higher vertical jump, better running form, reduced likelihood of injury, increased confidence and increased endurance.
Their 16,300 square foot indoor facility is climate-controlled and features turf, track, hard court, and weight areas, as well as a viewing area for parents/guests.
Please Note: Each Velocity Sports location is independently owned and operated, and offer different pricing and discount rates for their classes. Please contact the location directly for more information.
For the Highland Park Location:
Call Mark Cox at 214-739-1122
www.velocitysp.com/highlandpark
For the Southlake Location:
Call 817-416-0606
www.velocitysp.com/southlake
View Newsletter Headers
~~What's Inside This Issue ~~
(Click on the links below)
FEATURED ARTICLES
Parental Rights: The Fight of Our Lifetime --- Article by Jessica Hulcy
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
LIBRARY PROGRAMS
- Library Programs at
North Texas Libraries
--- Bedford, Hurst,
McKinney, Tyler --- January
Other Libraries are Welcome to Include Their Events – contact info@heartoftex.org
Bedford Public Library
Fort Worth Public Library
Hurst Public Library
McKinney Memorial Public Library
Tyler Public Library
CONTESTS/COMPETITIVE EVENTS
- BEST Robotics 2008 Preview: Just Plane Crazy! --- Texas Best
- Texas State Fish-Art Contests --- Entries Due March 31, 2008
HOME SCHOOL ENRICHMENT CLASSES
- THEO Home School Classes -- Plano
- Homeschoolers East Co-Op Classes --- East Dallas
BOOK SALES
- Library Used Book Sales
in North Texas
Wichita Falls – February 2
Lancaster – February 7-9
Grand Prairie --- February 16
Carrollton --- February 27 – March 2
NATURE CENTERS & OUTDOOR PROGRAMS/CAMPS
- Dallas Arboretum – Dallas
- Heritage Farmstead Museum --- Plano
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Programs--- State Parks in North Texas
PERFORMING ARTS
- Performances at Casa
Manana Children’s
Playhouse
Junie B. Jones --- February 22 – March 9
- Performances at
CATS --- Arlington
Holes – Jan 25- Feb 3
- Cottage Theater –
Creative Arts in Action
--- Watauga
- Theater Performances at
Artisan Center Theater
---Hurst
The Ark --- Dec. 28 – Jan. 26
Three Kind Mice - 2 – Jan 7 – Jan 25
- Performances at Bass
Performance Hall --- Fort Worth
- Dallas Children’s
Theater --- Dallas
Goodnight, Moon --- January 25 – March 2
- Plano Children’s
Theater --- Plano
West Side Story –- January 11-26
- Texas Ballet Theater
Performances
Jazz Royalty –- February 8-10
Jazz Royalty –- February 15-17
ART MUSEUMS
- Amon Carter Museum Exhibits – Fort Worth
- Dallas Museum of Art Exhibit --- Dallas
- Kimball Art Museum
Exhibit --- Fort Worth
Picturing the Bible --- Through March 2008
- Museum of Nature & Science --- Dallas
- Museum of Science & History --- Fort Worth
IMAX THEATERS
- Shows at the Dallas Imax Theatre -- Museum of Science and Nature
HISTORICAL PROGRAMS
- Programs at Log Cabin Village --- Fort Worth
- Ancient Treasures from the Holy Land --- Plano
MISCELLANEOUS EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
HOME SCHOOL SPORTS/PE PROGRAMS
- Maritime Merry Time Tuesdays (Open Homeschool Swim) --- The Colony Aquatic Park --- Tuesdays
- Dallas Thunder Homeschool Basketball Organization --- Registration Open
- Home School Athletic Association --- Baseball and Basketball Players Needed
- Junior High Girls Basketball Players Needed --- THESA Riders --- ASAP
- Home School PE Classes --- Velocity Sports in Highland Park
- Home School PE Classes --- Velocity Sports in Southlake
- Home School Fencing Classes --- Fencing Institute of Texas --- Farmers Branch
- Pop-In Playtime --- Pump It Up of Grapevine --- Grapevine
SUPPORT GROUPS
- Smoothing the
Way Meetings in North Texas
--- January
Arlington – January 22
Athens/Tyler Area – January 15
Denton – February 7
North Richland Hills – January 7
Plano – January 8; January 29
Sulphur Springs – January 15
- Keller 4H Club Meetings-- Keller
COLLEGE PREP
OTHER EVENTS BY DATE
- 8-Week SAT Prep Course at Creative Arts in Action ---- Watauga
- Home School Class and Tour at Fossil Rim --- January 28
- PBS Presents the Complete Jane Austen --- January 13
- HEART of Texas Regional Home School College Night --- Hurst, TX --- January 22
- Frisco HIS Hosting Jan Bedell Seminar “Learning Made Easy” --- Frisco, TX --- January 28
- 2008 Texas Home School Basketball Championships ---- Carrollton, TX --- Jan 31- Feb 2
- Special Needs Conference Coming to North Texas! --- Bedford, TX --- February 8
- Explore UT: The Biggest Open House in Texas --- Austin, TX --- March 1
- Home School Day at the Fort Worth Zoo --- Fort Worth --- March 6
- Teen Pact Leadership School Coming to Texas April 21 – 25 --- Registration Open
- Register for Tarrant County College for Home School Classes --- Receive a FREE MATH ASSESSMENT
- Volunteer Opportunities Available for Home School Students in 21 Counties --- American Cancer Society
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FEATURED ARTICLE
Parental Rights: The Fight of Our Lifetime
Compiled by Jessica Hulcy
Suppose, one day, parents will NOT be allowed to tell their children…
…that they cannot do drugs or be sexually involved as an unmarried teenager?
…that they must attend church with you?
…that they are restricted from certain internet cites and DVD’s for their protection?
…that you want to know where your child is, who his friends are, and what he is doing?
Suppose, one day, parents will not be allowed to raise their children with their values but instead will be restricted by the State?
That day is here.
- In the early
1980s, a landmark parental rights case
reached the Washington State Supreme Court.
The case involved 13-year-old Sheila Marie
Sumey, whose parents were alarmed when they
found evidence of their daughter's
participation in illegal drug activity and
escalating sexual involvement. Their
response was to act immediately to cut off
the negative influences in their daughter's
life by grounding her.
But when Sheila went to her school counselors complaining about her parent's actions, she was advised that she could be liberated from her parents because there was "conflict between parent and child." Listening to the advice she had received, Sheila notified Child Protective Services (CPS) about her situation. She was subsequently removed from her home and placed in foster care.
Her parents, desperate to get their daughter back, challenged the actions of the social workers in court. They lost. Even though the judge found that Sheila's parents had enforced reasonable rules in a proper manner, the state law nevertheless gave CPS the authority to split apart the Sumey family and take Sheila away.
- A
thirteen-year-old boy in Washington State
was removed from his parents after he
complained to school counselors that his
parents took him to church too often. His
school counselors had encouraged him to
call Child Protective Services with his
complaint, which led to his subsequent
removal and placement in foster care. It
was only after the parents agreed to a
judge's requirement of less-frequent church
attendance that they were able to recover
their son.
- The Wisconsin
legislature is debating this question,
“Should public libraries keep a
child’s check-out history secret from
his parents or should parents know what
books, CDs, and video tapes their children
under the age of 16 checked out of public
libraries?”
- In New Zealand a 16 year-old girl ran away from home and the parents are trying to find her. The police know where she is but they can’t tell the parents because of “privacy rights of children.”
THE ISSUE
Our role, as parents, is critical to the health and development of our children. Researchers and scientists have found that children who have parental support are likely to have better health as adults, tend to earn higher grades, have better social skills, and are more likely to graduate and go on to post-secondary education. Teens with involved parents are one-quarter as likely as teens with "hands-off" parents to smoke, drink, and use drugs.
For years, the Supreme Court has recognized that parents have a fundamental right to raise their children as they see fit, but that support is being steadily undermined. Across the country, many judges are beginning to deny the vital role of parents in the lives of their children. Instead, they are inserting the government into a "parental" role in a child's life as the instances cited above demonstrate.
TWO THREATS
First, many U.S. judges are denying parents their rights to raise their children, either because these rights are not explicitly protected in the U.S. Constitution or because the judges believe that parental rights should be subservient to the power of the state.
Not all judges hold a low view of parental rights. Some, like Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, believe that parental rights are among the "inalienable rights" of Americans enumerated in the Declaration of Independence but they are finding it increasingly difficult to rule in favor of parental rights when it is not explicitly included in the language of the Constitution.
In Troxel v. Granville, the last major parental rights case heard by the Supreme Court, Scalia himself voted to deny parental rights the status of an enforceable constitutional right. And other federal court judges are following in his footsteps, citing a mounting belief that no right can be protected by the federal courts unless explicitly stated in the Constitution.
Second, parental rights face the threat of international law, which assumes that the rights of children must be asserted against the rights of their parents. Under our Constitution, international treaties - such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) - become part of the "supreme law of the land," allowing the government, not the parent, to determine what is best for the child and intervene on their behalf.
SOLUTION
If Scalia, who favors parental rights, yet cannot protect parental rights unless it is explicit language in the Constitution…THEN the surest way to protect children and their parents from both the threat of judges and the danger of international law is to pass a U.S. Constitutional amendment that explicitly places parental rights in the Constitution in black-and-white. And it can be done. The Constitution has 27 Amendments, the last one being passed in 1992. Only then can we ensure the next generation of American parents will enjoy the liberties we now enjoy.
ACTION
Go to www.ParentalRights.org and sign the petition.
ATTEND informational rally to hear:
Michael P. Farris, J.D.
Founder of ParentalRights.org
Chancellor of Patrick Henry College in VA
Founder of Homeschool Legal Defense
MARCH 1, 2008 (Saturday)
7:00-9:30 pm
Fellowship Bible Church Dallas at 9330 N. Central Exwy.
(Hwy. 75 / Park Lane; NE corner behind Bed, Bath, Beyond)
Dallas, TX 75231
214-739-3881
For More Information: Contact Texas Organizers for ParentalRights.org:
Wade / Jessica Hulcy wade@konos.com or queen@airmail.net ; 972-924-2541
Gavino / Ruth Perez gavinoperez@sbcglobal.net ; 210-732-0893
Wade and Jessica Hulcy and other informed leaders want to visit every support group within 100 miles of DFW to speak about this important issue and to help you rally the troops in your area to attend this March 1 event. Please call them and let them know when your January and February support group meeting are, so they can get to your group both months with a 5 minute presentation.
Jessica Hulcy, co-author of KONOS Character Curriculum, the first homeschool curriculum written for homeschool by home schoolers in 1984, is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, has done post-graduate work at Texas A& M at Commerce. Jessica has taught for 31 years with 24 of those years spent homeschooling her four boys ages 31, 27, 24, and 19. She speaks nationally on a variety of public education and home school topics, writes curriculum for KONOS, lives with her husband Wade on 75 acres north of Dallas, TX, and has just started a new business called homeschoolmentor.com designed to train the next generation of homeschoolers.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
1. LIBRARY PROGRAMS AT NORTH TEXAS LIBRARIES --- OCTOBER
To find out what programs your local libraries have going on, visit the website below. It includes links to public libraries all over Texas, so you and your kids can get in on the adventure of reading.
http://www.publiclibraries.com/texas.htm
BEDFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Location: 1805 L. Don Dodson Drive
Bedford, TX 76021
817-952-2342
Contact: Jeannie Green
TUESDAYS --- Sprouts Story Time
(for the more active child)
Time: 10 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.
Bonnie Finn Room
TUESDAYS --- Story Book Club
(for the child who is ready to be a sitter and llstener)
Time: 11 am. – 11:25 a.m.
Bonnie Finn Room
THURSDAYS --- Peapods Story Time
(for babies 2 years and under and their caregiver.)
Bonnie Finn Room
Registration is required for this program.
For More Information: Contact Kids Help Desk at 817-952-2373
January Themes:
15 – Hola (Hispanic)
22 – Hungry, Hungry Dinosaurs
29 - I Like Me
JANUARY 7, 14, 21, 28 – Tony’s Computer Classes
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Library Board Room
This class is for the absolute beginner. It will provide a brief overview of exactly what a computer is and how it works with lots of hands-on-practice. No computer experience required.
No Registration is required for these free classes.
Contact: Tony New at 817-952-2342 or tnew@ci.bedford.tx.us
For More Information: Contact Jeanne Green at 817-952-2370
WEDNESDAYS IN JANUARY--- Free Spanish Language Classes
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (MORNING CLASS)
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (EVENING CLASS)
Location: Library Board Room
Ms. Bianca Zaya will introduce the basics of Spanish
No Registration is required for these free classes.
For More Information: Contact Jeanne Green at 817-952-2370 or jgreen@ci.bedford.tx.us
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FORT WORTH PUBLIC LIBRARY
FEBRUARY PROGRAMS
ALL FORT WORTH BRANCHES
African American Read In!
Location: All Fort Worth Library Locations
Details: Don’t Say Ain’t by Irene Smalls is the title to read for this event! Call your local library for details.
Teen Programs
E-mail: zz_lib_teenservices@fortworthgov.org for more information.
CENTRAL LIBRARY BRANCH
Location: 500 W. 3rd St
817-871-7701
FEBRUARY 4 --- Card Making
Time: 4 p.m.
Details: Leaarn to make cards for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions.
FEBRUARY 5 --- Anime Club
Time: 5 pm.
Details: Join us for movies, anime, and description.
FEBRUARY 7-28 --- Home School Book Club
Time: 2 p.m.
Ages: Teens
Details: A weekly book club just for homeschooled teens! Our first selection will be To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. This book is considered a great American classic and fits in well with African American Heritage Month activities we are hosting at the library. We will take the entire month of February to complete the book discussion. The teens should have read chapters 1-7 of this book selection before attending the first meeting.
FEBRUARY 8 --- National Poetry Slam and Art Exhibit
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Details: Join Mike Guinn, noted poet and founder of the National Poetry Slams, for a great poetry slam and Windell Gordon for a wonder art exhibit.
FEBRUARY 19 --- Teen Advisory Board
Time: 5pm
Details: Monthly meeting of TAB. Interested in joining? Fill out an
application.
FEBRUARY 16 --- Movie – The Color Purple
Time: 1 p.m.
FEBRUARY 23 --- Movie --- Freedom’s Song
Time: 1 pm.
EAST BERRY LIBRARY
Location: 4300 E. Berry St.
817-536-1945
FEBRUAY 7-28 --- Quiz Show Party
Time: Thursdays at 7 p.m.
Details: Join us to watch a great game show!
EAST REGIONAL LIBRARY
Location: 6301 Bridge St.
817-871-6436
FEBRUARY 4, 11, 18 --- Plugged In!
Time: 6pm
Details: We got a Wii, so come play!
FEBRUARY 25 --- Gaming Tournament
Time: 6pm
Details: See if you can beat the best! Registration is required.
MEADOWBROOK LIBRARY
Location: 2800 Stark St.
817-451-0916
FEBRUARY 2-23 (Saturdays) --- Chess Game
Time: 11am
FEBRUARY 5-26 --- Chess Academy and Club
Time: 4pm
Details: Join to learn to play chess.
RIDGLEA LIBRARY
Location: 3628 Bernie Anderson Drive
817-737-6619
FEBRUARY 2-23 (Saturdays) --- Chess Game
Time: 12pm
Details: Learn to play chess.
FEBRUARY 27 --- Shakespeare Man
Time: 6:30pm
Details: Join the legendary bard in exploring his life, times, and works.
SHAMBLEE LIBRARY
Location: 959 East Rosedale St.
817-871-6621
FEBRUARY 4-25 (Mondays) --- Game Night
Time: 6pm
Details: Come and join us for an evening of board, strategy, and card games.
FEBRUARY 6-27 (Wednesdays) --- Chess Club
Time: 3pm
Details: Learn to play chess.
SOUTHWEST REGIONAL LIBRARY
4001 Library Ln.
817-782-9853
Plugged In! - Call for times and details on this video gaming program.
SUMMERGLEN LIBRARY
Location: 4205 Basswood Blvd.
817-232-0478
FEBRUARY 2-23 (Saturdays) --- Chess
Time: 2pm
Details: Join us for a chess game.
WEDGWOOD LIBRARY
Location: 3816 Kimberly Ln.
817-292-3368
FEBRUARY 2 --- Roses to Last Forever
Time: 2pm
Details: Make roses for your love out of duct tape.